“The coronavirus is once again one of the existing respiratory viruses,” explains Claudia Cortés, an infectious disease expert at the University of Chile. Gabri, an epidemiologist at the Casa de Bello School of Public Health El-Kavada added, “From a fatality perspective, this is no longer a disease of concern.” They noted that the only case of concern is in immunosuppressed patients.
Alarms have been raised in recent days as reports of coronavirus cases among the population have increased. One of them is Codelco board chairman Máximo Pacheco, who tested positive for COVID-19 in Beijing.
In this regard, an infectious disease expert from the School of Medicine at the University of Chile said, Claudia Cortezconfirming that “from a clinical perspective, We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, clearly nowhere near the numbers seen during the worst of the pandemic“. However, he clarified “The vast majority of these cases are mild.”especially for people who have received a full vaccination schedule, but if. Clinically we are seeing an increase in cases. “
An epidemiologist from the School of Public Health of the University of Chile said: Gabriel Cavadapointed out, “We are indeed experiencing greater spread of the new coronavirus. We are at a level of pandemic expansion similar to last May’s wave. However, In my opinion, the spread of this epidemic is fundamentally caused by purely seasonal conditions.. Let us remember that after a pandemic wave, respiratory disease infections are no longer purely seasonal and, therefore, we can expect small outbreaks to occur at any time. “
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Is it here to stay?
Experts urge not to panic, especially if the patient has completed the full vaccination schedule, because, according to Dr. Cortes, who is also a physician at the San Borja Arialan Clinic, “The new coronavirus has become another type of existing respiratory virus”. Academics from the University of Chile clarified that the only difference is that “some viruses have a clear seasonal effect, such as respiratory syncytial virus or influenza. Instead, SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is not a seasonal virus.This is true all year round Distributed with periodic increases but independent of time of year. But the reality is that today it is a permanently circulating virus that, thanks to vaccines, causes virtually no medical burden and hospitalizations. “
In this sense, Professor Cavada added: “COVID-19 is already acting like another respiratory disease, even like the common flu, in fact, as far as death is concerned.COVID-19 currently kills far fewer people than any other respiratory virus, so It is no longer a disease, From the perspective of lethality, it will make people worry“.
Symptoms and when to worry
Dr. Claudia Cortés explains, “The symptoms are the same and do not differ from any respiratory viral illness. They are all the same. Some are more or less, but Headache, fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough and more. People can take the test, which is available at pharmacies. There is self-test or PCR, but the fact is, If we are vaccinated and are a healthy person without any immune deficiencies, we must treat it like a common cold“.
“The recommendation remains to wear a mask to avoid spreading the virus to other people, as among others there may be immunosuppressed people who may be more seriously ill,” the academic added, adding that it was time to see a doctor Doctor, yes “When a fever lasts for more than three days, if I have difficulty breathing or severe chest pain or feel short of breath.These are all reasons for consultation“.
Vaccination is vital
Epidemiologist Claudia Cortez reiterated, “Vaccination remains vital. The way we have been able to stop this epidemic at a national and global level is thanks to vaccines, and people who need the bivalent vaccine must get it, especially people who are immunosuppressed, that is, people over 65 years old. Vaccines can be given starting from the age of 50 and in children from the age of 12, provided that the treating doctor has specific recommendations for certain pathologies, but vaccines are essential. “
However, Professor Cavada regrets that “Vaccination numbers are actually very low. I would even go as far as to say that we are very close to being ineffective.. It is hoped that a COVID-19 vaccine from next year will be included in the flu vaccine programme, with this seasonal vaccine usually recommended starting in March or April to help reduce infections within the framework of influenza campaigns. Winter 2024”.
